St. George, Utah – Janis Larson Curran, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 1, 1946, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Janis lived a life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering strength.

Janis was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her. Her warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of countless individuals throughout her 77 years. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 50 years, Richard Curran. They were married on May 25, 1973, in the Salt Lake City Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah and together they raised seven children.

As a baby Janis rode across the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth II in a Moses basket from South Africa to the United States where she would live in many different states. From Palo Alto, CA to Bethesda, MD where they settled down and Janis attended Walter Johnson HS. After high school Janis attended Brigham Young University and completed a Communications degree. After college she left BYU in a yellow VW Beetle Bug covered in flower and butterfly decals for San Francisco. In the late 60's she worked in Television production in the Bay Area and ran her own shop in Provo, UT for a time.

In 1970 she met Richard Curran and was charmed by his gregarious nature and 3 small children, Andrew, Peter, and Heather. They were married and welcomed 3 more daughters Melanie, Kristen, and Abigail. Janis was very blessed when she welcomed Ashley as her 5th daughter, whom she loved and cared for every moment of her life.

When Abigail began first grade Janis looked at what was happening in the school library and said, "I can do this." She attended night classes at the University of Maryland and received her Master's of Library Science shortly after. She then spent over 2 decades serving the children at Oak View Elementary school as the Media Specialist, building a TV studio in the school, starting a chess club, and caring for countless hamsters and school fair goldfish. Her work and her beloved colleagues were a consistent highlight in her life.

During all of her life, her many accomplishments included: raising children, raising grandchildren, raising great-grandchildren, caring for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, the occasional bird, and she always held numerous church callings. She served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a Relief Society President, as a teacher, as a ministering sister, and as a youth leader. She served others consistently and joyfully. Her story telling ability was epic and widely known and loved--by the campfire, in the library, and of course at children's bedtime.

Along with Jan's career as a Media Specialist she also spent years working with The American Red Cross and The United Way.

In addition to her dedication to others, Janis was an avid reader, beach lover, and lifelong learner. She participated in many community theater productions with her husband and family, often playing a role of comic relief. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life including making a pie crust that is internationally accepted as unbeatable. She loved to travel and was able to travel to countless destinations including, Hawaii, France, Russia, and Sweden.

Janis Larson Curran touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. May she rest in peace knowing that she was dearly loved and will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Janis's life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sage Hollow Ward Chapel, 2079 East 2450 South, St. George, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, prior to services, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church.

Interment will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the St. Paul's Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

Janis Curran Funeral Service Program